Investigators say Trooper Scott Frye was traveling with Gov. John Lynch and his wife in an official capacity when they witnessed a road rage incident that led to the crash. It happened Sunday night on Interstate 93 in Andover.

They say one vehicle rolled down an embankment and trapped the driver, Steven R. Marques, 61, of Methuen, inside.

Authorities say Lynch called 911 and Frye grabbed a fire extinguisher. Frye climbed into the burning car and an off-duty firefighter helped pull the Marques to safety.

"Trooper Frye demonstrated tremendous courage and bravery, putting himself in danger so that he could rescue the driver from that burning vehicle. I commend Scott for his heroic, life-saving actions," Lynch said. "And I also want to thank Manchester Firefighter Keith Knight for his bravery and assistance at the scene."

Frye told WMUR-TV that he was just doing his job.

"I was only doing what any other trooper or public safety official would do in that circumstance," he said. "I am just glad that everyone is OK."

Frye was treated for smoke inhalation. Marques, who is a Peabody police officer, was taken to Lawrence General Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition Monday.

"I think out of this incident we are gratified that people wanted to help and make a difference, and in this case save a life," Lynch said.

In 2007, Lynch and a trooper tried to push a woman's car out of a ditch. They needed a tow truck.

A day after Trevor Noah was declared the new host of "The Daily Show," complete with the blessing of the exiting Jon Stewart, graphic tweets targeting women, Jews and victims of the Ebola virus are causing a social media backlash.